SeaWorld opens “All Day Orca Play” in San Diego; Killer whales no longer to be in Shamu-style shows

SeaWorld San Diego starts a new program, which will entertain as well as educate its visitors. The park’s killer whales will no longer be in Shamu-style shows.

This new show serves the purpose of educating the younger generation about the orcas. With, Granny, the oldest female orca’s death last year, and the death of another orca earlier this week, it is necessary to spread awareness about these species.

The “All Day Orca Play” will introduce guests to each whale and their unique personalities. This show will also provide live chats with orca behaviorists and educators. It will run for two more months. The “Orca Encounter”, the park’s new show will open soon after the closing of this program.

Marilyn Hannes, SeaWorld San Diego President, said, “We are thrilled to offer guests this unmatched and uninterrupted experience with killer whales”. She also hopes that this hour-by-hour encounters will inspire the guests to protect wildlife.

The Killer Whales in SeaWorld San Diego

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Amaya is a female whale. She is 2 years old. She is also the youngest of the family. Amaya is very special, as she was born during a rare winter storm in San Diego., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Makani, is a male. At the age of 3, Makani is a super playful whale that loves all toy. He love, especially the ones he can push and throw around the pool., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Kalia is a female, aged 12. She came out of her shell at around nine months old. Since then she began interacting regularly with trainers., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Ikaika, is a male aged 14. Ike is also known for having the largest blowhole and the biggest tongue of any of the whales in our pod.Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Nakai is a mal. He is 15 years old. Nakai really enjoys learning new behaviors., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Keet is a male, age 24. Keet is a gentle giant and weighs just under 8,000 pound., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Shouka is a female whale. She is 24 years old.Shouka loves to learn new behaviors., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Orkid is a female. At the age of 28, her puzzle solver skills is amazing. She also impresses people with her intelligence by learning new and difficult behaviors very quickly. , Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Ulises, is a male. He is 38 years old. Ulises is SeaWorld San Diego's largest killer whale. He is also best known for splashing water with his massive tail flukes.Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Kasatka is a female. At the age of 38, she is admired for her bold personality. She, also, is the matriarch of the killer whale family. Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

Corky, is a female. She is the oldest amongst all the killer whales in all the SeaWorld parks, estimated to be 52 years old., Credits: SeaWorldCares - San Diego

This move was well appreciated. SeaWorld had also announced last year, that it would discontinue the Shamu-style shows. It also announced that it will stop the breeding of captive orcas.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, a Los Angeles-area congressman re-introduced a federal legislation. This will phase out the display of captive orcas. He also said that his bill would reverse federal law that still allows for the capture or import of killer whales for display purposes.

He also said, “The ORCA Act would ensure that this is the last generation of orcas who live in captivity, and we will appreciate these incredible creatures where they belong — in the wild.”

In a statement, SeaWorld said, “The ORCA act would serve no purpose and is an unnecessary distraction from the important work we need to do to protect killer whales and our oceans.